Update on 3/10/24 — The Wind Advisory has been extended until 5 p.m. on Monday.
849 PM EDT Sun Mar 10 2024
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EDT MONDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia, northern and northwest Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 5 PM EDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Earlier: Today’s cold rain will give way to strong winds and coastal flooding on Sunday, forecasters say.
The National Weather Service today issued a Wind Advisory and a Coastal Flood Warning for Arlington, with both set to take effect Sunday morning.
The Wind Advisory says gusts of up to 50 mph are expected tomorrow.
From NWS:
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1211 PM EST Sat Mar 9 2024…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SUNDAY TO NOON EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central and north central Maryland, The District of Columbia, central, northern, northwest and western Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 AM Sunday to noon EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Meanwhile, low-lying areas close to the Potomac River are expected to flood.
As usual, the tidal flooding is expected to have more notable impacts in Alexandria, where a portion of King Street regularly floods. In Arlington most of the flooding impacts areas near paths and trails.
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1124 AM EST Sat Mar 9 2024…COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST SUNDAY…
…COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 11 AM EST
SUNDAY…* WHAT…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of inundation above ground level in low lying areas due to tidal flooding. For the Coastal Flood Warning, up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.
* WHERE…Shoreline in the City of Alexandria and Arlington County.
* WHEN…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 5 AM EST Sunday, especially around the time of high tide. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 5 AM to 11 AM EST Sunday, especially around the time of high tide.
* IMPACTS…Water is expected to approach buildings near King Street and Union Street.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Tides two to two and a half feet above normal. The next high tides at Alexandria are 7:36 PM and 8:58 AM.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
It’s going to be a windy Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service just issued a Wind Advisory for Arlington and other parts of the Washington region. It’s set to take effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected, raising the possibility of falling tree limbs and power outages.
More, below, from NWS.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
258 PM EST Tue Feb 27 2024…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast and northern Maryland, The District of Columbia, central, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 6 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
(Updated at 12:10 p.m.) Arlington is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting tonight.
Between 2-5 inches of snow is expected to fall, mostly overnight Friday into Saturday. The snow should be mostly done by sunrise, according to the Capital Weather Gang.
The advisory, from the National Weather Service, is below.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
324 AM EST Fri Feb 16 2024…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with localized totals up to 5 inches possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central and northern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 8 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible for a few hours tonight under the heaviest snow bands. Visibility may be reduced to less than one half mile at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services, meanwhile, has some snow-related advice for residents.
New snow in the forecast, same old advice on salt: A small amount does a lot, a large amount is lousy for our watershed. https://t.co/EDDlMN0X7W #WinterSaltSmart #ArlWX pic.twitter.com/oJZkC1Ve7B
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) February 16, 2024
Today, the National Park Service alerted drivers that the northern portion of GW Parkway between Spout Run Parkway in Arlington and the Beltway, I-495, starting at 7 p.m.
The closure will be “until further notice due to anticipated severe winter weather conditions,” per a press release.
“This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions,” NPS said. “Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.”
A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened, NPS noted.
Updated at 6 p.m. — Arlington Public Schools has cancelled classes Friday.
Get ready for more snow.
A Winter Weather Advisory was just issued for Arlington and other D.C. area jurisdictions. Forecasters are currently calling for 1-3 inches of snow locally, mostly falling on Friday.
The advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow. It cautions of slippery road conditions caused by the snowfall.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches north of US-50/I-66 with amounts around 1 inch to the south.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 4 AM to 7 PM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute.
Snow arrives late tonight-Fri. AM. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for 1-3" of snow across most of the region. Locally higher amounts up to 4" are possible north of I-70. The steadiest snow arrives between 6am-12pm Friday. Highest snow totals over the mountains. pic.twitter.com/KZTY4Y2t7H
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 18, 2024
Update at 11 p.m. — The Winter Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.
Earlier: Arlington and the immediate D.C. area is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with several inches of additional snow accumulation expected.
The advisory from the National Weather Service was issued this morning. While light snow is currently falling, adding to the dusting from overnight Sunday into Monday, heavier snowfall is expected later this afternoon and tonight.
From NWS:
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1011 AM EST Mon Jan 15 2024…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches.
* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a brief lull in snow intensity this morning before picking back up again this afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down just prior to daybreak Tuesday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for all of the forecast area through early Tuesday morning. Light snow this morning may ease up around mid-morning before steadier snow overspreads the area mid-afternoon through tonight. Visit https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf for more details. pic.twitter.com/wyid0dWvAd
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 15, 2024
Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow as some local roads remain slick and snow-covered. The National Park Service, meanwhile, has closed the GW Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway — where construction has been taking place.
The closure is “until further notice,” due to safety concerns during the snow.
From NPS:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area. This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.
A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler
The rain is over but the winds are now blowing.
The drenching Nor’easter storm that passed overnight is bringing gusty winds up to 50 mph in its wake.
Those winds combined with the soggy ground are expected to cause significant power outages, as trees topple and branches fall. As of 9:30 a.m., about 250 Dominion customers are reported to be without power in parts of Arlington — a number that will almost certainly go up over the course of the day.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory, below, in effect through 2 p.m.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern, southern and western Maryland, The District of Columbia, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 AM this morning to 2 PM EST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Another impact from the winds: trash bins getting blown over on garbage collection day. Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services is reminding residents to secure their carts.
Where the heck did my curbside carts go?
Don't let the answer be "blowin' in the wind."
Make sure they're secure today.https://t.co/Vh6ynsDlWH pic.twitter.com/kp2chXMejy— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) December 18, 2023
Today marks the halfway point of a five-day September heat wave.
A high temperature of 98 is forecast today, with “feels like” temperatures reaching into the 100s. Relief is expected Friday, as high temperatures dip into the upper 80s.
A Heat Advisory is in effect starting at noon today. From the National Weather Service:
730 AM EDT Tue Sep 5 2023
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Heat index values of 100 to 105 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, The District of Columbia, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Usually, one might expect the start of meteorological fall to be more temperate, amid pools closing, white pants getting packed away and and pumpkin spice lattes being served with increasing frequency. Not this year.
What do you think of the late bout of hot weather?
(Updated at 2:10 p.m.) Get ready for three days of sweltering weather.
Ahead of high temperatures in the upper 90s — perhaps rising into the triple digits — paired with high humidity, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday and a watch for Friday.
From NWS:
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heat index values around 105 degrees expected.
* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, central and northeast Maryland, southern Maryland, and portions of northern Virginia into the Virginia Piedmont.
* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
This afternoon, meanwhile, NWS issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday.
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Friday morning through Friday evening.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
The weather service issued the following general advice for beating the heat.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
On top of the hot and sticky conditions, scattered storms are possible through the end of the week.
An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect for areas east of I-81 on Friday for the potential for heat indices up to 110° F. Visit https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr for the latest. #VAwx #MDwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/2mf3DTkgBN
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 26, 2023
A Heat Advisory has been issued for Thursday. Maximum heat indices in the advisory area are expected to be 105-109 degrees. Outside of the advisory, it will still be hot. Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those outdoors. pic.twitter.com/kgggr7V88z
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 26, 2023
Looking for free places to #BeatTheHeat during this #heatwave?
đź’¦ County spraygrounds: https://t.co/fR2Pb4aKtJ
đź“š Libraries: https://t.co/vaKqLnwjWT
🏫 Community centers: https://t.co/dkFWHB9gVT
🏬 Malls: Pentagon City, BallstonLearn heat safety tips: https://t.co/ofA4uCvB82 pic.twitter.com/U4PhTXhjUu
— Ready Arlington (@ReadyArlington) July 26, 2023
Arlington County and surrounding areas, including D.C., are currently under a Wind Advisory.
Gusty winds are expected to persist throughout the day an into the overnight hours Wednesday. With gusts of up to 50 mph, downed trees and power outages are possible.
More from the National Weather Service.
523 AM EDT Tue Mar 14 2023
…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Mountain snow showers persist today into tonight. A drier day further east, but a few snow showers over northern MD this A.M. Cold with increasing NW winds gusting to 50 mph this afternoon. Highs only low-mid 40s outside the mountains. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/uyVsIw2Wfr
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 14, 2023
Arlington County is under a Wind Advisory for much of the day on Saturday.
Rain showers will give way to fog tonight (Friday) before the clouds clear Saturday and the wind starts blowing. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected.
The gusty wind combined with waterlogged ground could topple trees and cause power outage.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
256 PM EST Fri Mar 3 2023
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…West to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued, generally for late tonight into Saturday. Areas of wind damage and scattered power outages expected from gusty NW winds. For more detailed info on timing & locations, visit: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/4Kfhis40Kw
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 3, 2023
Freezing rain will likely fall early Thursday, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service.
Arlington could see dangerous, icy conditions on local roads tomorrow morning, forecasters say. Eventually, the frozen precipitation will switch over to just plain rain as temperatures rise during the day.
Gusty winds are also expected on Thursday.
From from NWS:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a glaze to around one tenth of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast and northern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Difficult travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning commute on Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wintry precipitation begins this evening, then becomes more intense tonight into Thursday morning. Warmer air should push in Thursday afternoon changing the precipitation to rain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Ice Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued. Significant icing is likely along and west of the Blue Ridge tonight through Thursday. Ice amounts of 0.25-0.75" are expected. Further east, up to 0.10" of ice is expected north & west of I-95. pic.twitter.com/RamBGLy4gN
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) December 14, 2022
The Capital Weather Gang says Arlington is on the approximate line between some ice accumulation and mostly wet roads, with northern portions of the county likely seeing more ice.
D.C.-area forecast: Thursday morning icy spots for some, then a soaking afternoon rain https://t.co/nRN5vXUCxN
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) December 14, 2022
VDOT, meanwhile, says it’s preparing to do battle with Mother Nature and try to keep roads passable.
From a VDOT press release:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is mobilizing its equipment and resources in preparation for a winter weather event to impact parts of the Commonwealth Wednesday night into Thursday.
Incoming rain throughout Virginia is forecasted to shift to sleet and freezing rain in the northern, northwestern, and central areas of the Commonwealth beginning around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and going through the morning of Thursday, Dec. 15. This weather event is expected to impact VDOT’s Staunton, Salem, Culpeper, Northern Virginia and Lynchburg districts.
VDOT is paying close attention to the forecast and preparing for what could be a significant icing event. District crews will not apply liquid pretreatment to roads in areas where the event is forecasted to start as rain, which will wash away the pretreatment application. Crews are preparing equipment and will be ready to treat roadways with salt, sand and abrasives as precipitation transitions to sleet or freezing rain.
Motorists should pay attention to weather forecasts in areas where they plan to drive and delay travel on Thursday morning in the impacted areas, especially along the I-81 corridor, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.
Safety and Travel Resources
When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions. […]
Statewide Improvements for the 2022-2023 SeasonIn addition to its traditional year-round snow preparation, VDOT made improvements to address items from the Snow Removal and I-95 Incident Performance Audits by the State Inspector General and the Winter Weather Event and I-95 Interagency After-Action Report by CNA:
Improved contracting to be more flexible, competitive and attractive to contractors to address equipment and personnel shortages.
Improved communications and command structure for better internal and interagency cooperation during crisis events.
Assigned staff to drive routes and report on conditions to supplement traffic cameras.
Acquired a system to allow two-way communications between drivers and VDOT within a defined geographic area.
Continued participation in winter weather exercises, led by The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to foster interagency cooperation.
Resources and Readiness
In addition to operational improvements, VDOT maintains a number of resources to contend with inclement weather.
- $220 million statewide budgeted for winter weather in 2022-2023
- 11,493 pieces of equipment (VDOT-owned and contracted equipment combined, as of Nov. 30)
- Approximately 1,148 vehicle contracts in process, and is continuing to receive additional contract bids (as of Nov. 30)
- More than 696,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives, and more than 2.3 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine.
